High Winds Cause Widespread Power Outages in Southern Manitoba

URGENT UPDATE: High winds have triggered significant power outages across southern Manitoba, impacting over 4,000 customers as of 1:15 p.m. today. Manitoba Hydro reports that the fierce winds, which have gusted up to 90 kilometres per hour, have caused widespread disruptions, including in Winnipeg.

As the storm intensified this afternoon, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) had issued a wind warning early today, indicating that severe gusts were likely to result in damage. The warning specified that residents should secure loose objects as winds were predicted to peak later in the day.

By 3:45 p.m., all wind-related alerts in the region had been lifted, although Manitoba Hydro continues working diligently to restore power. In a post on their X account, the utility confirmed that crews were actively addressing the outages and had managed to restore power to nearly 1,000 customers by 2:50 p.m.. However, the situation remains precarious due to reports of trees down on power lines, complicating restoration efforts.

Residents in areas affected by the outages are being urged to remain cautious and patient as crews navigate the harsh conditions to restore power safely. The impact of these outages is being felt widely, with businesses in Osborne Village facing closures due to the lengthy power interruptions.

Manitoba Hydro’s most recent updates on power outages can be found on their official channels. Stay tuned for further developments as the situation evolves.